Tobias Abzieher, Jochen Titus, Rohit Prasanna, Max Hoerantner, Tomas Leijtens, Swift Solar Inc., San Carlos, CA
Swift Solar is a leading U.S. startup commercializing next-generation perovskite photovoltaics. Perovskite materials can boost the performance of conventional solar cell technologies (e.g., silicon) when stacked on top of them in so-called tandem solar cells. Tandem architectures have been used previously in III-V semiconductor-based systems for space applications. However, perovskite materials allow for a significant cost reduction compared to these more complex technologies, given the use of inexpensive raw materials as well as the simple fabrication of perovskite materials via both solution- and vapor-based deposition methods. In contrast to the vast majority in academic research and other companies in the field – particularly in East Asia – Swift Solar has advanced vapor-based methods for the commercialization of perovskites, leveraging the extensive industrial background, access to large-scale deposition equipment, and ease of upscaling of these methods. In this contribution, we will give an overview about worldwide commercialization activities for vapor processed perovskite materials, discuss challenges and opportunities of vapor processing of these materials, and share progress toward the commercialization of perovskite tandem solar cells. Furthermore, we will summarize action items for vapor processing of perovskite materials that are required from both academia and tool manufacturers to strengthen a swift commercialization of this promising technology.